The author suggests that the greatest barrier confronting a beginning improvisational jazz instrumentalist is fear. He suggests ways of eliminating this fear, beginning with specific suggestions for training the ear with vocal exercises, followed by specific suggestions for learning on instruments. (KC)

Discussed is music of the sub-Sahara. Vocal, instrumental, and dance drumming from the Sudan Desert, the North Coast, East Horn, Central and West Africa, and contrapuntal yodeling of Pygmies is described. For African musicians, the ability to improvise, and creativity, are gifts from God. Includes selected readings and recordings. (KC)

A bricoleur is a person who lives by recycling old materials. This article describes a bricolage, a junk sound sculpture, constructed mainly of junk metal. Selected readings are included. (KC)

Sound approaches to needs assessment can assist practitioners in using resources effectively to improve program decision making. An analysis of uses of the term needs assessment provides the basis for discussing purposes and strategies. Following a critique of major approaches, practical suggestions are offered for conducting needs assessment…

Lists informal definitions for 130 terms dealing with recombinant DNA research. (CS)

Highlights the new copyright law as it applies to television and films, particularly the concept of fair use. Discusses the problems the new law has presented to the educational use of copyrighted video and film material and suggests that such users organize to present their position more effectively. (JMF)

Suggests steps for a teacher preparing to teach a technical writing course for the first time. Stresses materials with which the teacher should be familiar and the need for making contacts with local people in business and industry as well as with faculty members. (TJ)

Explains how a psychology student handbook has helped psychology students at York College become more interested in the psychology department and participate more fully in psychology-related activities. (DB)

Describes the services and resources of the San Mateo Educational Resources Center (SMERC) and presents the results of a survey of linking agents operating within SMERC contracts, including findings about their organizational settings, educational backgrounds, marketing activities, and perceptions about the usefulness of the service. (FM)

Reviews a variety of resources for media courses teaching about advertising. Divides the material into three categories: assaults on unannounced values (critics), thoughtful thematic compilations (collectors), and semiapproving rhapsodies on the medium's formal brilliance (cheerleaders). (TJ)

Presents annotations of recent educational materials focusing on civil rights, civil liberties, the Constitution, and Constitutional Amendments. Materials include books, curriculum guides, teachers' manuals and materials, and films. Information is presented for each entry on title, author, publisher, cost, approximate grade level, and description.…

Although the gypsy moth defoliates over 2 million trees annually, it can serve as an extremely valuable tool for promoting environmental awareness. The gypsy moth can illustrate insect life cycles, sexual dimorphism, scent attraction, many stimulus response experiments, evolution, natural controls, and pesticide uses and dangers. (SB)

Describes a seven-level taxonomy intended to assist design teams to produce more generalized, flexible media to support instruction. The levels are defined as jargon and definitions, component point recognition, awareness of purpose, components of usage skill, awareness of sequences, skill performance or application of relationships, and…

The Minneapolis Urban Arts Program preaches and practices two ideas: The arts are basic to education; they're for all students, not just the talented. (Editor)

Describes how fifth-grade teachers and a school library media specialist in Malvern, Pennsylvania collaborated in a student reenactment of the Ellis Island experience. Includes a bibliography of immigration resources and sample background information, identification, entrance papers, and experience of a simulated immigrant. (PEN)